Chapter 4 Ecosystems and the Physical Environment
Cycling of Materials Matter moves between ecosystems, environments, and organisms 5 major cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Water (hydrologic)
The Carbon Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle
The Sulfur Cycle
The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle
Solar Radiation
Temperature Changes with Latitude Solar energy does not hit earth uniformly Due to earth’s spherical shape and tilt Equator (a) High concentration High Temperature Closer to Poles (c) Low concentration Low Temperature From (a) to (c) In diagram below
Temperature Changes with Season Seasons determined by earth’s tilt
Atmospheric Layers
Atmospheric Circulation Near Equator Equator
Large winds due in part to pressures caused by global circulation of air Low Low Low High High High High Surface Winds
Influence of the earth’s rotation on movement of air and fluids (water) Coriolis Effect
Prevailing winds produce ocean currents and generate gyres Pacific Gyre Circular pattern influenced by Coriolis effect Patterns of Ocean Circulation This becomes important later when we talk about plastics in the ocean.
Patterns of Ocean Circulation Trade winds Westerlies
Surfers, Seals, and the Sea El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Periodic large scale warming of surface waters of tropical E. Pacific Ocean
ENSO Climate Patterns
Weather The conditions in the atmosphere at a given place and time Temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, etc. Climate The average weather conditions that occur in a place over a period of years 2 most important factors: temperature and precipitation Weather and Climate
Rain Shadows